M. Kathy Hathaway

Cave Junction – Kathy Hathaway, surrounded by loving family and friends, died peacefully at the age of 65 from complications of pneumonia. She was born in San Francisco, CA, to Mildred Alice (Morrow) and George Robert Olson, Sr. who preceded her in death. Kathy grew up in Eugene and graduated from Willamette H.S, in 1964. She attended Southern Oregon College where she earned her BA in Elementary Education and met Allan Hathaway, her husband of 43 years. They married in Eugene on August 17, 1968. Kathy began her teaching career as a student teacher in Prineville, Oregon. She and Allan arrived in the Illinois Valley in 1969. She taught first grade at Evergreen Elementary in Cave Junction for 32 years, retiring in 2001. Kathy was a dedicated educator. She received the Teacher of the Year award multiple times throughout her career.

Kathy's faith was very important to her and she loved the Lord. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Central Lutheran Church in Eugene. She was an active member of the Valley Evangelical Free Church in Cave Junction. Kathy loved to travel with Allan in their RV. She was known for her beautiful handwriting and calligraphy. She also loved reading, collecting recipes and cooking, quilting, stamping, and other crafts. She used her exceptional couponing skills to purchase food to give to others in need.

Kathy's family wishes to thank everyone at Rogue Valley Medical Center for their exceptional care of her during her hour of need.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Allan; her brother, Rob (Judie) Olson of Salem; brother-in-law Mike (Elena) Hathaway of Portland.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Valley Evangelical Free Church in Cave Junction. Private inurnment will be at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley, designate for the Illinois Valley Club, c/o 203 SE 9th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.